STORY HIGHLIGHTS

A joint investigation by magazine Tempo and BBC Indonesia had revealed the food chain was using ingredients up to 6 months past expiry

Pizza Hut's Indonesian operation has said its restaurants were safe after a joint investigation by magazine Tempo and BBC Indonesia alleged that Pizza Hut and Pizza Hut Delivery were using ingredients up to six months past their expiry date, AFP reported today.

The investigation also revealed that it was a corporate policy at three restaurants to continue using ingredients for up to three months after the expiration date, said a report by Jakarta Coconuts.

Puff pastry, vegetable sausage and carbonara sauce were amongst the ingredients that were being used past their expiry dates.

The investigation also accused Japanese noodle chain Marugame Udon of using ingredients past their expiry date at its handful of outlets in Indonesia.

Both Pizza Hut and Marugame Udon have denied the allegations. Pizza Hut said that some of its restaurants on the island of Java had been thoroughly inspected and health authorities found they met all the hygiene and sanitation standards.

Stephen J McCarthy, president director of Sarimelati Kencana, also defended Pizza Hut, saying he was proud of the outlets' kitchens.

"They're the cleanest Pizza Hut in the world. If somebody wants to visit our kitchens, you give me a call, I will personally take you," he said.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

A joint investigation by magazine Tempo and BBC Indonesia had revealed the food chain was using ingredients up to 6 months past expiry